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Sunday, January 03, 2016

2016 Releases That Get Me Excited

Fear not, I am defintiely reading my own damn books in 2016, but I also took a stroll through Netgalley and Edelweiss before the year began to request a few can't-look-away, must-have titles for the new year. Here's what's got me in a tizzy.

At the absolute tippy top of my CAN'T WAIT TO READ list is Lucy Knisley's new graphic memoir, Something New: Tales From a Makeshift Bride. I'm especially excited about this one as I followed along in the days leading up to my favorite comics creator's wedding on Instagram. I have loved all of her work, and I'm excited that she's headed back to First Second publishers for this volume. The quality of her last book from First Second, Relish, was impeccable. It was a pleasure to read and a pleasure to hold and enjoy. (First Second, May 3, 2016)

Next on my list is Samantha Hunt's new novel, Mr. Splitfoot. It's the story of two young people who grow up together, one of whom can supposedly speak to the dead. When they meet a charming con man and take their act on the road, they risk their lives to escape religious zealots and cult leaders. This is split into two masterfully-written timelines, and if you hadn't guessed already, I read this one in the final days of 2015. It'll be out January 5, and I have a review going up because I found this creepy, gothic novel absolutely irresistible. (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, January 5, 2016)

Next up, The Unfinished World by Amber Sparks is a collection of short stories the description of which definitely puts it in my wheelhouse. "Sparks’s stories—populated with sculptors, librarians, astronauts, and warriors—form a veritable cabinet of curiosities." (Liveright, January 25, 2016)

Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, from Missiles to the Moon to Mars by Nathalia Holt is a non-fiction book I could not pass up. Not only does this book sound fascinating, one of my best friends used to work for JPL, so that's a little cherry on top.

In the 1940s and 50s, when the newly minted Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) needed quick-thinking mathematicians to calculate velocities and plot trajectories, they didn't turn to male graduates. Rather, they recruited an elite group of young women who, with only pencil, paper, and mathematical prowess, transformed rocket design, helped bring about the first American satellites, and made the exploration of the solar system possible. (Little, Brown and Company, April 5, 2016)

Trials of the Earth: The Story of a Pioneer Woman by Mary Mann is the only known first-hand account of a pioneer woman. It sounds terrible and fascinating.

"[...] a woman thrust into the center of taming the American South--surviving floods, tornadoes, and fires; facing bears, panthers, and snakes; all while caring for her children, several of whom didn't survive despite her efforts. (Little, Brown and Company, July 12, 2016)

What are you looking forward to in 2016? Any new releases getting you all riled up?

Why, Andi?!! Why must you tempt me with MORE wonderful-sounding titles right now? :) These all sound great; I'm sort of disturbingly attracted to this tale from the pioneer woman; I'm going to look it up! Thanks for sharing these...I think.